Bag holder

ABSTRACT

A novel bag holder is provided. In an embodiment, the bag holder includes a retaining bar that is shaped like a rectangular box. The bag holder also includes a wall bracket having a channel portion complementary to the shape of said retaining bar. The wall bracket can be mounted to vertical surface such as a wall. A portion of the rim of a plastic bag can be rolled around the retaining bar. Then, the retaining bar with the bag can be inserted into channel portion thereby securing the bag and facilitating the depositing and withdrawal of articles from the bag opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to flexible containers such as bags andmore particularly relates to a holder for bags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plastic bags are an example of a commonly employed container. Plasticbags are inexpensive and extremely convenient. They can be stored inlarge quantities in a relatively small space, and can be used to hold orcarry a significant volume of material.

Large plastic bags are often used for a variety of articles, includinggarbage, recycling, lawn clippings, leaves, and linens. Whatever thepurpose, when the bag is in use it is necessary to have the opening ofthe bag retained in a substantially open position so that articles canbe put into, or removed from the bag. Anyone who has performed lawn carewill recall the frustration of trying to keep the bag open while alsotrying to push leaves or lawn clippings into the bag.

It is therefore known to provide apparatuses that will hold the bag, andhold the bag in the open position so that a person can deposit articlesinto the bag without having to hold the bag open by him. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,667 to Olsen discloses a trash bag holding andspreading device in the form of a unitary one-piece holder. The holderincludes a pair of retainer halves, each of which has a respectiveinternal face, a first adjoining edge that adjoin one another and asecond remote edge. The holder can be used to both carry the bag and tohang the bag. The holder in Olsen, however, employs a complex set ofretaining clips and tabs that are used to pinch the bag. This results incomplex construction and, perhaps more significantly, a relatively smallportion of the surface area of the bag is held within the clips andtabs, which could limit the amount of weight that the bag holder canmaintain without resulting in tearing to the bag itself. Also suchretaining clips and tabs are, over time, subject to wear and tear andbreakage.

As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,998, 694 to Barteaux discloses a bagholder for supporting a conventional plastic grocery bag in an openposition for use as a waste receptacle. Barteaux is thus limited togrocery bags and is not generally suitable for other types of bags suchas garbage bags.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,249 to Edwards discloses a trash bag holding devicefor holding a spreading the open end of a thin walled plastic trash bagthat includes a pair of cooperating elongated spreader bar members oneof which is adapted to be mounted on a supporting wall in outwardlyspaced parallel relation to the wall and other of which is adapted to bereleasably mounted to the first. Edwards has similar limitations toOlson, in that complex moulds are required to manufacture the device,and the clamping mechanism only retains a relatively small surface areaof the bag. Also, the means of attaching the spread bar members to eachother also involves detents and tabs so that the members can be snappedtogether. Edwards can thus be difficult to operate, and/or could resultin breakage of the spreader bar members over time. Similar problems canbe found the holders described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,561,077 to Grant, andU.S. Pat. No. 3,091,422 to Hobbs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the invention provides a bag holder comprising a retainingbar that is shaped substantially like a rectangular box and having afirst length. The retaining bar is configured so that a portion of a rimof a bag can be rolled around the retaining bar. The bag holder alsocomprises a mounting bracket having a channel portion having a secondlength substantially the same as the first length. The channel portionis complementary to the retaining bar such that the retaining bar isremovably receivable within the channel portion. The channel portion isconfigured to prevent (or at least substantially reduce) the retainingbar from rolling within the channel portion when retaining bar isinserted within the channel portion. When the portion of the rim isrolled around the retaining bar and the retaining bar is inserted intothe channel portion, the mounting bracket supports the bag.

The retaining bar can be made from wood, and the mounting bracket can bemade from sheet metal.

The channel portion can be resiliently deformable such that duringinsertion of the retaining bar in the channel portion, the channelportion is urged outwardly and when the retaining bar is inserted intothe channel portion, the channel portion biases inwardly to secure theretaining bar and the portion of the rim of the bag within the channelportion.

The channel portion can include a rounded lip to reduce tearing of thebag.

The retaining bar can be characterized by a depth and a width whenviewed from the end thereof. The channel portion can include a troughthat is substantially corresponding in dimensions to the width of theretaining bar. The channel portion likewise can include a front wallthat terminates in a lip. The front wall of the channel portion can beshorter than the depth of the retaining bar, such that when the portionof the rim of the bag is rolled around the retaining bar, the weight ofthe bag is distributed along an upper surface of the retaining bar andthereby reduces contact between the bag and the lip and thereby reducesthe likelihood of the lip tearing the bag.

The mounting bracket can include a mounting portion above the channelportion for securing the mounting bracket to a vertical surface.

The mounting portion can include a pair of holes at opposite endsthereof for receiving screws therethrough.

Another aspect of the invention provides a mounting bracket for a bagholder that includes a retaining bar. The retaining bar is shapedsubstantially like a rectangular box and has a first length. Theretaining bar is configured so that a portion of a rim of a bag can berolled therearound. The mounting bracket comprises a channel portionhaving a second length substantially the same as the first length. Thechannel portion is complementary to the retaining bar such that theretaining bar is removably receivable within the channel portion. Thechannel portion is configured to prevent the retaining bar from rollingwithin the channel portion when retaining bar is inserted within thechannel portion. When the portion of the rim is rolled around theretaining bar and the retaining bar is inserted into the channel portionthe retaining bar supports the bag.

A novel bag holder is provided. In an embodiment, the bag holderincludes a retaining bar that is shaped like a rectangular box. The bagholder also includes a wall bracket having a channel portioncomplementary to the shape of the retaining bar. The wall bracket can bemounted to vertical surface such as a wall. A portion of the rim of aplastic bag can be rolled around the retaining bar. Then, the retainingbar with the bag can be inserted into channel portion thereby securingthe bag and facilitating the depositing and withdrawal of articles fromthe bag opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be discussed, by way of example only, inrelation to the attached Figures in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a bag holder in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the bag holder of FIG. 1 with a bag attached to theretaining bar of the bag holder;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the bag holder of FIG. 1 with the retainingbar mounted in the wall bracket;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the bag holder of FIG. 3; and,

FIG. 5 shows the bag holder of FIG. 4 with the retaining bar removedfrom the wall bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1-5, a bag holder in accordance with an embodimentof the invention is indicated generally at 10. Bag holder 10 comprises aretaining bar 14 and a wall bracket 18 which can cooperate to hold a bag22 having an opening 26 defined by a rim 30. Bag 22 is made from aflexible material. Bag 22 is thus typically a conventional plastic bag,such as a plastic garbage bag or the like.

Retaining bar 14 is shaped like a rectangular box, with a length that issubstantially the same as the diameter of bag 22.

As best seen in FIGS. 2-5, retaining bar 14 is adapted so that a portionof rim 30 can be rolled around the length of retaining bar 14. Thenumber of times that rim 30 is rolled around bar 14 is not particularlylimited. Generally, the greater the number of turns, the greater theamount of weight that can be supported in bag 22 when bag 22 is held bybar 14, without bag 22 tearing along the portion of bag 22 proximal tobar 14. The greater the number of turns can also reduce the amount ofusable volume in bag 22. However, it is in this manner that one of theadvantages of the present advantages is provided, in that holder 10 canbe easily adapted by the user according to a desired retaining strengthand/or usable volume for bag 22. Retaining bar 14 is typically made fromwood, but can be made from any material that is desired, including arigid plastic. In any event, retaining bar 14 is typically rigid, andthe surface of bar 14 is generally smooth to the touch of the user, butstill provides a degree of friction so that rim 30 will not slip once itis wrapped around bar 14. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, when viewedfrom the end retaining bar 14 is substantially rectangular, but in apresent embodiment each corner of the rectangle is somewhat rounded andis therefore characterized by a radius. The degree to which each corneris rounded is selected so as to feel smooth to the touch, without thefeeling that bar 14 is cutting into the hand. However, the corners arenot so rounded so much that rim 30 simply slips off, or rolls off of bar14.

Wall bracket 18 is substantially the same length as retaining bar 14.When viewed from the end, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, wall bracket 18 issubstantially J-shaped. Wall bracket 18 is typically bent into shapefrom sheet metal, and is provided with a crimped lip 34. Lip 34 thuspresents a smooth, dull edge that will not cut (or substantially reducesthe likelihood of such) either bag 30 or the hand of the user.

As best seen in FIG. 5, bracket 18 thus includes a channel portion 38and a mounting portion 42. Channel portion 38 is complementary indimensions to retaining bar 14. The trough 46 of channel portion 38 isthus shorter than the walls 50 of channel portion 38. As best seen inFIG. 4, the length of trough 46 and the depth of walls 50 are thuschosen to be longer to prevent rotation of bar 14 within channel portion38 and therefore prevent bag 30 from slipping when retaining bar 14 isplaced within channel portion 38. However, as best seen in FIG. 4, thedepth of retaining bar 14 is chosen to be greater than the wall 50having lip 34, so that the upper surface of retaining bar 14 distributesthe weight of bag 22 therealong and reduces the amount of contactbetween bag 22 and lip 34, and thereby further reduces the likelihood ofthe tearing of bag 22.

The gauge of sheet metal for wall bracket 18 is chosen so that walls 50are resiliently bendable. Likewise, the actual length of trough 46 ischosen so that when rim 30 of bag 22 is wrapped around bar 14, one orboth of walls 50 can be urged outwardly so that retaining bar 14 can beinserted completely within channel portion 38. However, once retainingbar 14 is secured within channel portion 38, walls 50 are inwardlybiased so as to secure bar 14 and the rim of bag 30 within channelportion 38. It should now be understood that other types of material,other than sheet metal, can be used for wall bracket 18.

As best seen in FIGS. 1-4, mounting portion 42 of wall bracket 18includes a pair of holes 54, with one hole at each end of mountingportion 42. Each hole 54, in turn, is designed to receive a fastenersuch as a screw 58, so that mounting portion 42 can be secured to a wall62 or other vertical surface. While mounting portion 42 utilizes a pairof screws, it should be understood that more screws can be used, and/orother fastening means can be employed, such as glue or other adhesive.

In use, the user will mount wall bracket 18 to a vertical surface suchas wall 62 in a desired location. The user will typically ensure wallbracket 18 is horizontal and mounted to a surface that can hold theweight of the articles to be deposited into bag 22. The wall bracket 18is typically (though need not be) mounted at a height that is greaterthan or equal to the height of bag 30. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, auser will open the rim of bag 30 and wrap rim 30 of bag 30 aroundretaining bar 14 a desired number of times. As discussed earlier, theuser can wrap rim 30 a greater number of times to provide greaterstrength and allow more weight to be deposited into bag 30 whilereducing the risk of bag 30 tearing along rim 22. Next, as best seen inFIGS. 3 and 4, retaining bar 14 is completely inserted into the channelportion 38 so that the corners of retaining bar rest within the cornersof channel portion 38.

As shown in FIG. 4, at this the opening 26 of point bag 22 is nowhanging downwards and the user can deposit articles into bag 22 viaopening 26. If needed, the user can use one hand to pull the portion ofrim 22 that is not being secured by retaining bar 14 away from wall 62so as to increase the area of opening 26 and thereby facilitate theinsertion of articles into bag 22.

While the foregoing describes certain embodiments, it is to beunderstood that such embodiments are exemplary and that variations,combinations and subsets of those embodiments are contemplated. Forexample, mounting portion 42 of wall bracket 18 can be substituted forother configurations. For example, wall bracket 18 can be incorporatedinto a free standing structure, such as a collapsible frame. As anotherexample, wall bracket 18 could be built into the upper surface of aladder or step ladder, so that the ladder could be used with a retainingbar 14 to hold a bag. As a still further example, wall bracket 18 can bemodified to include hanging clips on mounting portion 42 (either inaddition to or in lieu of holes 54) so that bracket 18 can be hung overa vertical structure, such as the top of a fence, or a door, or acupboard door, so that in substance bracket 18 would be mounted byhanging.

As another example, it should be understood that while the embodimentsherein discuss a garbage bag 22, the bag need not be plastic and neednot be for garbage. For example, the teachings herein are also suitablefor a cloth laundry bag.

It should also be understood that the length of wall bracket 18 andretaining bar 14 are not particularly limited and can be set accordingto the size of the bag to be held and/or according to the space in whichthe bag holder is to be located—e.g. on the inside of a cupboard door.

1. A bag holder comprising: a retaining bar being shaped substantiallylike a rectangular box and having a first length; said retaining barconfigured so that a portion of a rim of a bag can be rolledtherearound; a mounting bracket having a channel portion having a secondlength substantially the same as said first length; said channel portionbeing complementary to said retaining bar such that said retaining baris removably receivable within said channel portion; said channelportion configured to prevent said retaining bar from rolling withinsaid channel portion when retaining bar is inserted within said channelportion; such that when said portion of said rim is rolled around saidretaining bar and said retaining bar is inserted into said channelportion said mounting bracket supports said bag.
 2. The bag holder ofclaim 1 wherein said retaining bar is made from wood.
 3. The bag holderof claim 1 wherein said mounting bracket is made from sheet metal. 4.The bag holder of claim 1 wherein said channel portion is resilientlydeformable such that during insertion of said retaining bar in saidchannel portion, said channel portion is urged outwardly and when saidretaining bar is inserted into said channel portion said channel portionbiases inwardly to secure said retaining bar and said portion of saidrim of said bag within said channel portion.
 5. The bag holder of claim1 wherein channel portion includes a rounded lip to reduce tearing ofsaid bag.
 6. The bag holder of claim 1 wherein said retaining barincludes a depth and a width when viewed from the end thereof; saidchannel portion including a trough substantially corresponding to saidwidth and a front wall terminating in a lip; said front wall beingshorter than said depth, such that when said portion of said rim of saidbag is rolled around said retaining bar, a weight of said bag isdistributed along an upper surface of said retaining bar and reducingcontact between said bag and said lip.
 7. The bag holder of claim 1wherein said mounting bracket includes a mounting portion above saidchannel portion for securing said mounting bracket to a verticalsurface.
 8. The bag holder of claim 1 wherein said mounting portionincludes a pair of holes at opposite ends thereof for receiving screwstherethrough.
 9. A mounting bracket for a bag holder that includes aretaining bar being shaped substantially like a rectangular box andhaving a first length; said retaining bar configured so that a portionof a rim of a bag can be rolled therearound; said mounting bracketcomprising: a channel portion having a second length substantially thesame as said first length; said channel portion being complementary tosaid retaining bar such that said retaining bar is removably receivablewithin said channel portion; said channel portion configured to preventsaid retaining bar from rolling within said channel portion whenretaining bar is inserted within said channel portion; such that whensaid portion of said rim is rolled around said retaining bar and saidretaining bar is inserted into said channel portion said retaining barsupports said bag.
 10. The mounting bracket of claim 9 wherein saidretaining bar is made from wood.
 11. The mounting bracket of claim 9wherein said mounting bracket is made from sheet metal.
 12. The mountingbracket of claim 9 wherein said channel portion is resilientlydeformable such that during insertion of said retaining bar in saidchannel portion, said channel portion is urged outwardly and when saidretaining bar is inserted into said channel portion said channel portionbiases inwardly to secure said retaining bar and said portion of saidrim of said bag within said channel portion.
 13. The mounting bracket ofclaim 9 wherein said channel portion includes a rounded lip to reducetearing of said bag when said bag contacts said rounded lip.
 14. Themounting bracket of claim 9 wherein said retaining bar includes a depthand a width when viewed from the end thereof; said channel portionincluding a trough substantially corresponding to said width and a frontwall terminating in a lip; said front wall being shorter than saiddepth, such that when said portion of said rim of said bag is rolledaround said retaining bar, a weight of said bag is distributed along anupper surface of said retaining bar and reducing contact between saidbag and said lip.
 15. The mounting bracket of claim 9 further includinga mounting portion above said channel portion for securing said mountingbracket to a vertical surface.
 16. The mounting bracket of claim 9wherein said mounting portion includes a pair of holes at opposite endsthereof for receiving screws therethrough.